THE ORIGINS, EVOLUTION AND HISTORY OF SKIDROW ARTIST(S) COLLECTIVE

by OG Man
Do you know SGT? Do you Alexander The Poet? Do you know Ms. Symphony? If you can answer yes, then you know " part of the struggle " of Skidrow Artists and how we, artists of the Skidrow/ Central City East community, got to this point, THE SKIDROW ARTIST(S) COLLECTIVE (SRAC)

If you don't know any of these individuals, or any of the numerous, extraordinary, talented, gifted artists that for " decades" PUT IT DOWN FOR THE HOOD" and never got the opportunity to connect with GALLERY ROW or ART WALK, then you're not aware and should take time to understand the " historical development and significance " of SRAC.

There have been " great artists of all mediums on Skidrow Row"! Musicans, Writers, Actors, Comedians, Models, Cooks, Singers, Painters, Movie Makers, etc. There have been numerous groups that tried ( and did for a moment) to represents these various talents in an " organized " way. But, over the years their efforts died!

Some gave up on their gifts...discouraged! Others just lefted the neighborhood in search of a less hostile venue. A few went on to greatness somewhere else. Others stayed to continue the fight for a venue, for an opportunity. This is our origins, our evolution.

Today, in 2009, just before the New Year, THE SKIDROW ARTIST(S) COLLECTIVE has brought together...all the scattered pieces ( or as many that weather the storms and are still ready and capable). WE ARE THE HIDDEN TREASURE.

So, SRAC is the " Skidrow Gumbo ", the treasure box is going to slightly opened on December 10th. There is just too much to show at one time. But, now there is a new beginning...we come together as one group, nolonger scattered and concerned " simply about ourselves". That's what in a TREASURE CHEST ..many jewels, an assortment of priceless objects,

The many talented men, women and children of the Skidrow/ Central City East Community are " no longer hidden". On December 10, 2009, during ART WALK at the EXCHANGE and HARLEM PLACE ALLEY there will be a "kind of coming out party, THE SKIDROW ARTIST(S) COLLECTIVE (SRAC) will bring the treasure chest and reveal some, just some of our " HIDDEN TREASURES"!


Manuel Benito Compito (aka OG Man